Return to Transcripts main page

American Morning

California Governor Says That Major Bridges Are Terrorist Targets

Aired November 02, 2001 - 09:04   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
PAULA ZAHN, CNN ANCHOR: Californians can expect even tighter security on major bridges this morning. It's in response to what the governor calls a credible threat of terrorism. Governor Gray Davis identified 4 separate bridges: The Golden Gate and Bay Bridges in San Francisco, the Vincent Thomas at the Port of Los Angeles, and the Coronado in San Diego. CNN's Rusty Dornin is at the Golden Gate Bridge this morning. You're getting a little first day's light, there, good morning.

RUSTY DORNIN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: We're getting first day's light and the fog is parting enough so we can actually see the bridge, and see the beginning of rush hour here, which is looking pretty light right now. But it's a little tricky because it is Friday, and Fridays are usually a lighter commute, so its going to be difficult to see just whether people are staying home because they took extra day off or whether they are fearful about crossing bridges.

Now, of course, Governor Gray Davis issuing that warning yesterday about four bridges statewide. Three of them suspension bridges. Of course, the Golden Gate Bridge here, a national icon a national historic landmark.

Then there is the Bay Bridge, which spans Oakland to San Francisco. It is the most heavily traveled bridge in the state. 270,000 cars and trucks cross that bridge every day.

Another bridge that was cited was the Coronado Bridge. That spans from San Diego to Coronado Island, but also located there is the North Island Naval Air Station. A military base there, there are also the U.S. aircraft carriers often dock there when they are stationed here on the West Coast.

And the fourth bridge is the Vincent Thomas Bridge, which spans the port of Los Angeles near San Pedro and Terminal Island. That is the fourth bridge, that is, of course, a suspension bridge.

Now, federal officials have been downplaying a little bit the governor's warning saying that these threats were not corroborated, they have not been specific. Although they are still backing up the governor's call for increased security. Now, National Guard units, as we understand, are already here at the Golden Gate Bridge and will be stationing on the north and the south end of the bridge along with highway patrol units. But, Paula, the bridge will be open for foot traffic, for bicycle traffic. People are -- just may see more patrols, foot patrols, and people in cars, and underneath the bridge, of course, patrolling, checking to make sure that no one gets too -- suspicious -- gets too near the bridge. Paula.

ZAHN: So, I know you live in the area, you've had, of course, a chance to talk to people who live there. What is their level of concern?

DORNIN: Well, I think, you know, Paula, even for me on September 11 when I crossed this bridge that morning, I thought to myself, "my God, this has got to be the biggest -- one of the biggest targets on the West Coast." And I think many of us here have felt that way all along. But, I think there is still a feeling that you have to live your life, and, you know, there are many people I've talked to that will continue to use the bridge.

But I also have friends who have said no, they won't, they won't go into the city at night. They won't do some things for a while because they don't want to cross the bridge.

Now, there are even some companies that have told their employees that if they are fearful of crossing the bridges, and they want to stay home and perhaps telecommute until next Wednesday, they are free to do that. So, peoples are addressing the concerns. As we said, the federal authorities are downplaying somewhat Governor Davis's warnings, but, and also saying the bridges are safe, people should not worry, but they also are stepping up security.

ZAHN: Competing with that big fog horn, big time this morning. Thanks, Rusty, and good luck with rush hour.

TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com